Sobharaj
Sobharaj

Movie spotlight

Sobharaj

1986
Movie
140 min
Malayalam

Sobharaj is the leader of an underworld gang. He gets killed in an encounter with the police. The DSP uses his lookalike brother to pose as him in order to capture the rest of his gang.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Director: Kiran ShantaramGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

This film dramatizes the life and crimes of Charles Sobhraj, a notorious serial killer. It follows his manipulative and cunning exploits across Asia, detailing his methods of targeting tourists and his eventual capture. The narrative explores his psychological complexity and the international manhunt for him.

Critical Reception

The film received mixed reviews, with particular praise for Naseeruddin Shah's intense portrayal of Charles Sobhraj. Some critics found the pacing slow in parts, but the subject matter and Shah's performance were generally highlighted as strengths. It is considered a notable portrayal of a controversial figure in Indian cinema.

What Reviewers Say

  • Naseeruddin Shah delivers a chilling and captivating performance as the titular serial killer.

  • The film effectively portrays the psychological manipulation and cold-blooded nature of Sobhraj.

  • While some aspects of the narrative may drag, the overall tension and portrayal of crime are compelling.

Google audience: Audience reception information for this specific film on Google is limited.

Fun Fact

Naseeruddin Shah's portrayal of Charles Sobhraj was so intense that it is often cited as one of his most memorable villainous roles.

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